Which statement best distinguishes qualitative and quantitative data in healthcare research?

• A. Qualitative data are descriptive and non-numeric; quantitative data are numeric and measurable.
• B. Both are numeric.
• C. Qualitative data are numeric, quantitative are descriptive.
• D. Qualitative data are only observed, quantitative data are always experimental.

Answer: (A)

The distinction is that qualitative data are descriptive and non-numeric, while quantitative data are numeric and measurable. In healthcare research, qualitative data come from words—interviews, focus groups, open-ended observations—revealing patient experiences, beliefs, and contexts. Quantitative data come from measurements and counts—vital signs, lab results, symptom scales, event counts—allowing for numerical analysis and statistical testing. So the first statement correctly captures the fundamental difference between the two types of data. The other options misstate this by suggesting both are numeric, reversing the descriptions, or implying qualitative data are only observational and that quantitative data must be experimental.